Typically players in sports will pick one position and focus on strictly that position.

This isn’t the case for sophomore Alex Klonowski of NIU baseball. Klonowski came into NIU last season as an infielder, and on top of that, was a pitcher.

Last season, the Kearney, Mo. native made 23 appearances on the mound, earning one start, while also starting 11 games in the field.

“I mean, I’ve done it my entire life,” Klonowski said. “So there hasn’t really been a change. It’s just something I’ve grown accustomed to.”

This season, Klonowski has been even more versatile for NIU, as he has moved all over the field playing five different positions: second and third base, shortstop, left field and right field.

“We’ve had a few guys like him in the past,” said NIU coach Ed Mathey. “It definitely makes our roster depth a lot better, and it gives us more versatility.”

Klonowski had to adapt to the outfield this season, as he has started 20 games there, compared to 11 games in the infield.

“At first it was a little difficult,” Klonowski said. “Now I have grown accustomed to it and I feel comfortable out there now, but I am fine with any position.”

Klonowski’s ability to play different positions helps the Huskies when they are in a jam and need someone to fill in.

“There’s been times where we had a situation,” Mathey said. “Earlier in the season, we had an unfortunate incident with food poisoning on our road trip and Alex Jones wasn’t available, and A-K went in and played shortstop and did a great job for us.”

Not only does Klonowski play multiple positions in the field, but he also comes in and pitches in relief. There have been eight games this season where Klownowski has started the game in the field and later came in to pitch in relief.

“One, you have a guy who is able to move around and is willing to move around,” Mathey said. “He has that ability and that capability and does it at a pretty good level.”